Research in Advanced Technology for Naval Vertical Lift Aircraft

A parametric study was conducted to identify the most attractive technology advances postulated for the time period beyond 1980, whose application provides increased payload/weight ratios and possibly new configurational concepts for carrying heavy external cargo over short distances with extended hover time. A baseline shaft driven helicopter, a hot cycle helicopter, and a lift fan aircraft without a wing were established using current technology to meet the requirements of each of two missions. Postulated advances in technology were defined and then applied singly and in combination to each of the six baseline aircraft to find those applications which gave the highest increases in payload/gross weight and payload/empty weight ratios. (Author)